Street Tree Planting

Tree planting information and application forms

The Parks Recreation & Waterfront Department plants over 800 new and replacement street trees in the parkway strip (area between the sidewalk and curb) each year. There is no additional cost to the adjacent property owner for tree planting, but the City does require the property owner to water the tree for the first two years after planting. The City also covers cost associated with any necessary concrete removal.

The species of tree to be planted on a specific street, along with the planting location is determined by the City. If a species has not been designated for a specific street, staff will be happy to work with the neighborhood in selecting an appropriate species. Every effort will be made to select a species compatible with the existing tree plantings on the street, the neighborhood identity, the mature size of the tree, space available for the tree to grow, the presence of underground and overhead utility lines, utility poles, streetlights, driveway approaches and fire hydrants.

Street Tree Planting Application

By applying to have a street tree planted, the applicant:

·Agrees to water the tree once each week, year-round, of the first two years after planting.

·Understands that the tree is the property of the City and any pruning or removal of the tree will be by the City or under the City’s direction.

All planting applications will be processed in the order they are received. Due to the number of applications received, actual planting can take up to a year after an application is received.

If you would like to receive a tree planting application, please download form, or call (510) 981-6660, or send us an e-mail at trees@ci.berkeley.ca.us and we will send you a copy. If you are interested in organizing your neighborhood for tree planting, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

For photos and detailed information about trees currently being planted along Berkeley’s streets, see the ‘Illustrated Guide to Berkeley Street Trees’ available at the reference desk of all five branches of the Berkeley Public Library.